What to do right now. Read time: 3 minutes.
Hospital discharge teams may pressure you into quick aged care decisions. You have rights. Take the time to understand your options.
Request a priority assessment. Explain that your parent is in hospital and needs urgent aged care assessment. They can fast-track the process.
Call 1800 200 422Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 10am-2pm
If your parent cannot go home and no aged care place is available yet, call Carer Gateway for emergency respite care options.
Call Carer Gateway 1800 422 737You are not obligated to make an immediate decision about residential care. The hospital cannot force a discharge without a safe plan. Ask to speak with the hospital social worker and request a family meeting.
"We need time to understand our options before making any decisions about long-term care. We would like to discuss a safe discharge plan, including interim care options, before agreeing to any permanent placement."
If you are presented with any of the following, do not sign until you understand the full financial implications:
For residential care, you have 28 days after entry to decide how to pay accommodation costs (lump sum, daily payment, or a combination). Do not let anyone rush this decision. It can involve hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Under the new Aged Care Act 2024 (commencing 1 November 2025), your loved one has a legal right to safe, quality care. The Statement of Rights replaces the former Charter of Aged Care Rights and strengthens protections for older Australians.
You have 90 days to sign a Support at Home service agreement after services begin. Do not feel pressured into signing immediately. Use this time to review, compare, and seek advice.
Under the Aged Care Act 2024, you can formally register as a Registered Supporter to act on behalf of your loved one in dealings with their aged care provider. This gives you a recognised role in their care.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with 3 months or less to live, the End-of-Life Pathway provides up to $25,000 in funding over 12-16 weeks. High-priority assessment is available. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and request urgent end-of-life assessment.
Under Support at Home, clinical supports (nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy) have 0% contribution for all recipients regardless of income. This means your loved one pays nothing for these essential health services.
If your loved one was already receiving a Home Care Package as of 12 September 2024 or was in residential care as of 31 October 2025, they are protected by a "no worse off" principle. They can stay on existing fee arrangements or choose to opt in to the new ones.
If aged care fees are causing financial difficulty, you can apply for financial hardship assistance. Fee reductions may be available under the new Act. Contact Services Australia on 1800 227 475 or speak with your provider.
If your parent may lose the capacity to make decisions, an EPOA must be in place before that happens. Once capacity is lost, the process becomes much harder and more expensive (state tribunal application).
Call OPAN (advocacy) 1800 700 600Start collecting these documents. You will need them for assessment and financial decisions.
ET Care can help you understand the full picture: what documents you need, what your options cost, and what to do next.
Set up your Care HubBack to ET Care · My Aged Care 1800 200 422
For the ones who cared for you.